NH Passes Education Tax Credits; VA Requires Online Class

The New Hampshire House sent Democratic Gov. John Lynch a bill that would give tax credits to businesses for 85 percent of their donations to nonprofit scholarship funds. House Bill 1607 would make New Hampshire the ninth state to offer the business credit.

The scholarships, which must average $2,500, would go to parents who want to send their child somewhere other than their assigned public school. To be eligible, a family must make less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or approximately $65,000 for a family of four.

“All families should have a choice in education, not just those who can afford to have one now,” said House Deputy Speaker Pam Tucker (R-Greenland).

Virginia: Online Class Now a Graduation Requirement

Virginia became the latest state to require high school students take an online class to graduate, following Idaho’s requirement of two online classes in 2011 and Florida’s requirement of one.

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) signed the requirement into law with the expectation it would help students better prepare for “the job market of the 21st century,” spokesman Jeff Caldwell said.